Burke was born July 17, 1974, grew up in Pleasant View, Utah, and later graduated from Weber High School in 1992. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Detroit, Michigan, and afterward joined his parents in Turkey, where they were living at the time. Detroit stayed with him–most visibly in his lifelong loyalty to the Detroit Lions.

Burke loved the outdoors, especially fishing, hunting, and camping with his dad. Scouting was an important part of those years, and he proudly earned the rank of Eagle Scout. The love of the outdoors his dad shared with him became something Burke, in turn, shared with his own girls–teaching Madi and Kati to fish, camp, and appreciate being outside. He also enjoyed woodworking, cooking, working in the garden, and taking care of his home and yard.

Burke was naturally curious, often with a podcast playing–especially during football season–and his calm, approachable nature served him well at Smith and Edwards and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Burke loved animals–all animals–but perhaps none more than his beloved dog, George Lucas “Lukey,” his boy and constant companion.

More than anything, Burke loved being a dad. His daughters, Madeleine “Madi” and Katherine “Kati”–his “bugs”–were his whole world. He was incredibly proud of them, and being their dad was the most important role of his life.

Together they traveled, taking road trips to the Oregon Coast, Seattle, the East Coast, and countless places in between. Sometimes the rest of the family was lucky enough to come along. The bugs were at the center of Burke’s world, and the rest of us were fortunate to be along for the journey.

In the later years of his parents’ lives, Burke became a constant presence for both of them, helping care for them and allowing them to remain together at home for as long as possible. It was an extraordinary act of love and devotion to his mom and dad.

Burke’s life had its share of difficult chapters, but they never defined the love he had for his family or the love they had for him.

Burke is survived by his beloved daughters, Madeleine “Madi” and Katherine “Kati” Nielsen; his sisters, Caprus (Klaus) Hotze and Callette Nielsen; his niece and nephew, Melissa (Lorenz) Krywult and Jayson Hotze; along with extended family and neighbors who loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Annette Nielsen; his sister, Carol; and his brother, Baby Howard Cooper.

Burke was deeply loved and will be missed beyond words.

Above everything else, he will always be Dad to his bugs.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Wellsville Cemetery, Wellsville, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Memorial Go-Fund me account for Burke’s daughters, Madi and Kati, at https://gofund.me/7ff4f4867

Condolences may be shared at: www.lindquistmortuary.com.